Random Beautiful Thoughts…

April 9, 2011

Music: Well, its a pretty mainstream choice but right now I am thoroughly enjoying Adele. I “liked” her first cd and recognized her as quite the talent but “21” (also her age BELIEVE IT OR NOT) is transcendant. She writes songs with the feeling and intensity one would expect from a long lifetime of heartache. There is a mellow jazzy-y meets country vibe to her music that makes Adele’s 21 a perfect soundtrack for whatever you are doing. This particular video is a brilliant modern dance interpretation of this song by CaseyFord Alexander. LOVE

Book: The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. This is her debut novel (2005) and is based on stories her father told her as a child…about Dracula. There is nothing cheesy or done-before about this book. It is a terrific read and somewhat of a metaphor for evil deeds in history that cannot be undone, and the role of history, and how it is recorded for future generations. Her writing is wonderful and just draws you in. It is a dense and heavy book, both literally and figuratively, and I’ve picked it up to read twice and put it down again each time. This last time hooked me and I cannot put it down. Not light reading, yet it pulls you in as if someone was telling you a bedtime story you didn’t want to end…

Food: Well, I finally mastered a homemade peanut sauce! I adore spicy peanut sauce and have always been intimidated to try to make one. Thanks to my Dad’s recipe I have finally achieved it. He is a mean cook, as long as there are no vegetables involved. I make sure to add the veggies as I love them, but they only serve to make his amazing recipes better. Here is his recipe, I added tons of different coloured peppers, onion, carrots, and celery. The great thing about Dear Old Dad’s recipes is they take well to customization. Enjoy!

Fashion: Ballet flats! These are simply something we cannot have enough of, and for me, soft pliable comfort and the perfect neutral tone is something I am constantly on the search for. Repetto have so far been my fave flats, the leather is like kid-glove leather so they end up fitting your foot like a glove, and I have yet to find a colour I like more than their soft metallic gold. What are your fave flats? Share!

Skincare du Jour: Thanks to Janine at Beautygeeks for introducing me to La Roche Posay Cicaplast. This is a miraculous healing cream/balm/lotion intended to heal post-chemical peel (ouch!) skin that I have been using for my blemishes (I try not to pick…I really do!), sunburn and any irritation or cut I have (bad cat!). It also works miracles on chapped lips when I use it at bedtime and let it soak in. This probably deserves it’s own post but I just had to share!

Perfume du Jour: It’s definitely a tie between two gorgeous new faves. I have been LOVING Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia– wow this is drop dead gorgeous with creamy white flowers that just wrap around you like pure silk. I also have the body lotion in this which I love to use on my hands at bedtime and to layer with the eau de parfum, it just makes it last longer. The other one is Acqua di Parma Colonia Assoluta. Ok. This line has several concentrations, Intenza, Essenza and Assoluta among them, and shopping for one can be “confusa” to quote my perfumista friend Kevin. Seriously. All I know is the Assoluta is the most floral of the collection- read a nice review here. Acqa di Parma is just your basic, classic eau de cologne and Assoluta is my personal favourite version. Refreshing, clean and gentle and totally unlike what I usually go for. Dane at Pere de Pierre laughed at the thought of me in such a butch scent but it is pretty, sexy and understated and works for me. Go figure!